Explore the vast range of titles available.

For centuries, herbs have been used by traditional therapists around the world to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as gastritis. We hypothesized that the anti- Helicobacter pylori properties of phytoncide, which is extracted from pinecone waste, would facilitate use as a natural gastroprotective product to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders. Thus, we investigated in vitro antibacterial efficacy against H. pylori by agar diffusion assay. To determine the gastroprotective properties of phytoncide, we conducted hematoxylin and eosin staining, performed assays for the detection of the cytotoxin gene, and evaluated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in H. pylori -infected C57BL/6 mice. Phytoncide significantly inhibited the survival of H. pylor i in the gastrointestinal system of C57BL/6 mice. Reduction of gastric severity in H. pylori -infected mice was associated with reductions in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the gastric mucosa, and of the cytotoxin CagA gene in phytoncide treated groups ( P  < 0.05 and P  < 0.01). In conclusion, phytoncide significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori in gastro tissue, possibly due to the abundant α-pinene present in the phytoncide as detected by HPLC analysis. Further studies are needed to validate our findings, but we suggest that phytoncide has the potential to be used as a natural ingredient in anti- H. pylori products.

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a deacetylase of p53, has emerged as a privileged inhibitory target for cancer therapy because of its deacetylating activity for p53 at K120 and K373/382. However, intricate roles of HDAC6 in hepatocellular carcinogenesis have been suggested by recent evidence, namely that HDAC6 ablation suppresses innate immunity, which plays critical roles in tumor immunosurveillance and antitumor immune responses. Therefore, it is valuable to determine whether HDAC6 ablation inhibits hepatocellular carcinogenesis using in vivo animal models. Here, we firstly showed that HDAC6 ablation increased K320 acetylation of p53, known as pro‐survival acetylation, in all tested animal models but did not always increase K120 and K373/382 acetylation of p53, known as pro‐apoptotic acetylation. HDAC6 ablation induced cellular senescence in primary MEFs and inhibited cell proliferation in HepG2 cells and liver regeneration after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. However, the genetic ablation of HDAC6 did not inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis, but instead slightly enhanced it in two independent mouse models (DEN + HFD and DEN + TAA). Notably, HDAC6 ablation significantly promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in a multiple DEN treatment hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model, mimicking chronic DNA damage in the liver, which correlated with hyperacetylation at K320 of p53 and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our data from three independent in vivo animal HCC models emphasize the importance of the complex roles of HDAC6 ablation in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, highlighting its immunosuppressive effects. We provide the first evidence that HDAC6 is a p53 deacetylase at K320, which is especially important for cancer cell survival in chronic DNA damage conditions. Contrary to the general assumption that HDAC6 inhibition leads to hyperacetylation of p53 at K120, resulting in tumor suppression, our findings from in vivo animal HCC modelsemphasize the importance of the opposing roles of HDAC6 ablation in hepatocellular carcinogenesis by highlighting the K320 acetylation of p53 and immunosuppressive effects.

Background: Phytoncide is known to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Purpose: This study was carried out to confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of two types of phytoncide extracts from pinecone waste. Methods: We made two types of animal models to evaluate the efficacy, an indomethacin-induced gastroenteritis rat model and a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model. Result: In the gastroenteritis experiment, the expression of induced-nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a marker for inflammation, decreased in the phytoncide-supplemented groups, and gastric ulcer development was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05). In the colitis experiment, the shortening of the colon length and the iNOS expression were significantly suppressed in the phytoncide-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Through this study, we confirmed that phytoncide can directly inhibit inflammation in digestive organs. Although further research is needed, we conclude that phytoncide has potential anti-inflammatory properties in the digestive tract and can be developed as a functional agent.

Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), originally named TGF-β (Transforming growth factor beta) inducible early gene 1 (TIEG1), is a DNA-binding transcriptional regulator containing a triple C2H2 zinc finger domain. By binding to Sp1 (specificity protein 1) sites on the DNA and interactions with other regulatory transcription factors, KLF10 encourages and suppresses the expression of multiple genes in many cell types. Many studies have investigated its signaling cascade, but other than the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, these are still not clear. KLF10 plays a role in proliferation, differentiation as well as apoptosis, just like other members of the SP (specificity proteins)/KLF (Krüppel-like Factors). Recently, several studies reported that KLF10 KO (Knock out) is associated with defects in cell and organs such as osteopenia, abnormal tendon or cardiac hypertrophy. Since KLF10 was first discovered, several studies have defined its role in cancer as a tumor suppressor. KLF10 demonstrate anti-proliferative effects and induce apoptosis in various carcinoma cells including pancreatic cancer, leukemia, and osteoporosis. Collectively, these data indicate that KLF10 plays a significant role in various biological processes and diseases, but its role in cancer is still unclear. Therefore, this review was conducted to describe and discuss the role and function of KLF10 in diseases, including cancer, with a special emphasis on its signaling with TGF-β.

Objective: Nanog, a homeodomain protein, has been investigated in humans and mice using embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Because of the limited availability of ESCs, few studies have reported the function and role of Nanog in porcine ESCs. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the location of the porcine Nanog chromosome and its basal promoter activity, which might have potential applications in development of ESCs specific marker as well as understanding its operating systems in the porcine. Methods: To characterize the porcine Nanog promoter, the 5'-flanking region of Nanog was isolated from cells of mini-pig ears. BLAST database search showed that there are two porcine Nanog genomic loci, chromosome 1 and 5, both of which contain an exon with a start codon. Deletion mutants from the 5'-flanking region of both loci were measured using the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System, and a fluorescence marker, green fluorescence protein. Results: Promoter activity was detected in the sequences of chromosome 5, but not in those of chromosome 1. We identified the sequences from –99 to +194 that possessed promoter activity and contained transcription factor binding sites from deletion fragment analysis. Among the transcription factor binding sites, a Sp1 was found to play a crucial role in basal promoter activity, and point mutation of this site abolished its activity, confirming its role in promoter activity. Furthermore, gel shift analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that Sp1 transcription factor binds to the Sp1 binding site in the porcine Nanog promoter. Taken together, these results show that Sp1 transcription factor is an essential element for porcine Nanog basal activity the same as in human and mouse. Conclusion: We showed that the porcine Nanog gene is located on porcine chromosome 5 and its basal transcriptional activity is controlled by Sp1 transcription factor. KCI Citation Count: 0

We aimed to create an animal model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a short time, a high survival rate, as well as a high incidence of HCC in both males and females than previously reported. The Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) model has an age-related effect. A single dose of DEN treatment is not enough in young mice up to 50 weeks. The same pattern is shown in an adult with multiple-dose trials whether or not there is some promotion agent. In this study, two-week old C57BL6 mice were given a total of eight doses of DEN, initially 20mg/kg body weight, and then 30mg/kg in the third week, followed by 50mg/kg for the last six weeks. The first group is DEN treatment only and the other two groups received thioacetamide (TAA) treatment for four or eight weeks after one week of rest from the last DEN treatment. An autopsy was performed after 24 weeks of the initial dose of DEN in each group. The cellular arrangement of HCC in the entire group was well-differentiated carcinoma and tumor presence with no significant impact on the survival of mice. Increased levels of the biochemical markers in serum, loss of tissue architecture, hepatocyte death, and proliferation were highly activated in all tumor-induced groups. This finding demonstrates an improved strategy to generate an animal model with a high occurrence of tumors combined with cirrhosis in a short time regardless of sex for researchers who want to investigate liver cancer-related.

Heterogeneous radiological responses (HRRs) among tumor lesions are usually observed following chemotherapy or radiation treatment in cancer patients. When HRR is observed after chemotherapy or radiation treatment, a change in anticancer treatment is recommended due to the clinically high suspicion of resistance in the majority of cases. The present study reports the case report of a patient with limited-stage small cell lung cancer, diagnosed by bronchoscopy, who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Upon response evaluation, the majority of lesions irradiated had nearly completely disappeared following treatment, but one lesion had apparently increased in size. For histological confirmation, a percutaneous needle biopsy for the lesion was performed, however, non-specific necrosis was found and the results were inconclusive for the differentiation of other causes from tumor necrosis. Several acid-fast bacilli were identified on Ziehl-Neelsen staining for the differential diagnosis. This case suggests that a non-tumor diagnosis should be considered when HRR presents after treatment that is expected to result in a higher response rate, particularly in tuberculosis endemic areas.

Cotton is regarded as backbone of Pakistan economy; as textile industry entirely dependent on cotton for raw material; while cotton seed is principal source of edible oil production contributing around 80% to the domestically produced total edible oil. In enhancing crop yields and fiber quality, optimum use of NPK fertilizers and irrigation frequency is critical; while interactive effect of these two major factors on cotton is not fully understood. Therefore, this research was conducted to examine the interactive effect of NPK fertilizers and irrigation frequency on cotton growth, development and yield. The NPK treatments included: 124-62-62 kg ha-1 (10% beyond recommendation); 112-56-56 kg ha-1 (recommended) and 100-50-50 kg ha-1 (10% less than recommendation); while tested irrigation frequencies included: 7 irrigations (30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 DAS); 6 irrigations (30, 50, 70, 90, 110, 130 DAS [existing recommendation] and 5 irrigations (30, 55, 80, 105, 130 DAS). The interaction study showed that growth and yield contributing traits were optimally influenced in positive direction under the interactive effect of 124-62-62 kg ha-1 NPK x 5 irrigations. The seed cotton yield ha-1 was slightly higher (3482 kg) in crop fertilized with 124-62-62 kg ha-1 NPK x 7 irrigations as compared to seed cotton yield of 3456.50 and 3448 kg ha-1 realized in the interactive effect of NPK at 124-62-62 kg ha-1 x 6 irrigations and NPK at 124-62-62 kg ha-1 x 5 irrigations; while the least seed cotton yield (2691 kg ha-1) was obtained in treatment interaction of 100-50-50 kg ha-1 x 7 irrigations. However, 7, 6 and 5 irrigations regardless of rate of NPK application showed similarity (P>0.05) in agronomic performance of cotton; while NPK level of 124-62-62 kg ha-1 (10% higher than existing recommendation) showed economically viable results. Hence, the treatment based on interaction of NPK @124-62-62 kg ha-1 x 5 irrigations (at 30, 55, 80, 105, 130 DAS) could be practically suggestible for cotton growers, particularly while growing newly evolved variety Sindh-1.

In order to determine the synergistic effects of key inputs (Irrigation and nutrients) on physiological behaviors and seed cotton yield of cotton, the experiments were conducted for consecutive two years (2017 and 2018). The data for both the years was pooled and effects were determined from the average data. The existing recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) 112-56-56 kg ha-1 (T2) was kept as control to investigate the crop response to 10% increase over RDF (T1=124-62-62 kg ha-1) and 10% decrease over RDF (T3=100-50-50 kg ha-1). These NPK rates were applied in integration with varied irrigation frequency such as: 7 irrigations (30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 DAS); 6 irrigations (30, 50, 70, 90, 110, 130 DAS [existing recommendation] and 5 irrigations (30, 55, 80, 105, 130 DAS). The results showed that seed cotton yield plant-1 and its allied traits were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the interactive effect of NPK levels and irrigation frequency. The interaction of 124-62-62 kg ha-1 NPK × 7 irrigations resulted in slightly higher seed cotton yield plant-1 (141.46 g); closely followed by yield of 139.80 g and 139.44 g plant-1 achieved in the interactive effect of NPK at 124-62-62 kg ha-1 × 6 irrigations and 124-62-62 × 5 irrigations, respectively. Although, treatment interaction 124-62-62 kg ha-1 NPK × 7 irrigations had slight edge for seed cotton yield plant-1 over rest of the treatment interactions; but statistically the difference amongst 7, 6 or 5 irrigations under 124-62-62 kg ha-1 NPK were insignificant (P>0.05); suggesting that irrigating crop 7 or 6 times was uneconomical regardless of NPK application. Hence, interaction of NPK @124-62-62 kg ha-1 × 5 irrigations would be optimum combination to achieve economical seed cotton, seed and lint yields. However, all the physiological traits showed markedly greater values under the interaction of 124-62-62 kg ha-1 NPK × 7 irrigation suggestive of excessive plant growth, swelling foliage, but all these had adverse effect on seed-cotton, seed and lint yield.

Patient registry is a powerful tool for planning health care and setting groundwork for research. This survey reports a detailed registry of inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) and their management at a not-for-profit organization in a developing country to form the basis for planning development and research. We reviewed medical records of patients with IBD from 8 hemophilia treatment centers of Fatimid Foundation located in various cities. Information collected included sociodemographic data, diagnostic tests, severity of hemophilia A and B, number of bleeding episodes per year, site and frequency of hemarthrosis, and seropositivity for viral diseases. We analyzed 1497 patients from November 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. There were 1296 (87%) males and 201 (13%) females with a mean age of 24.5 (11) years (range, 6 months to 65 years). Hemophilia A constituted the bulk of IBD (848, 57%) followed by von Willebrand disease (172, 11%), hemophilia B (144, 10%), platelet function defect (106, 7%), and rare bleeding disorders (70, 5%). Mucocutaneous bleeding (1144, 76%) and hemarthrosis (1035 patients, 69%) were the main complications. There were 1026 (69%) patients who received only blood components for treatment of any bleeding episode while the remaining 464 (31%) were on combination therapy (blood components and factor concentrate). Seroreactivity for hepatitis C was frequent (28%), while hepatitis B (1%) and human immunodeficiency virus (0.01%) were less commonly seen. This study was an important step toward a patient registry in a hemophilia treatment center in Pakistan. Hemophilia A is the most common bleeding disorder and hepatitis C is the most frequent treatment-related complication.